Pumpkin Recipes for a Flavorful Fall

As the leaves turn vibrant shades of red and orange, and there’s a crispness in the air, it can only mean one thing: it’s pumpkin season! From sweet treats to savory delights, there’s no shortage of delicious pumpkin recipes to indulge in. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply looking to spice up your weeknight meals, these mouthwatering recipes are sure to impress. So grab your apron, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get cooking!

Creamy and Delicious Pumpkin Pie

Nothing says fall quite like a classic pumpkin pie. Made with a buttery crust and a rich, creamy filling, this recipe from Better Homes & Gardens is an absolute crowd-pleaser. The combination of warm spices and sweet pumpkin will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream for the perfect finishing touch.

### Ingredients:

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• ⅓ cup ice water
• 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin puree
• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Sprinkle the ice water over the mixture and stir with a fork until the dough comes together. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
3. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie dish and trim any excess overhang.
4. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
5. Pour the pumpkin filling into the prepared pie crust. Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 350°F and continue baking for an additional 35-40 minutes, or until the filling is set.
6. Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely before serving. Enjoy!

How to Prepare:

This creamy and delicious pumpkin pie is surprisingly easy to prepare. Start by making the crust from scratch using a simple combination of flour, butter, and salt. Once the crust is ready, mix together the pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, and a blend of warm spices. Pour the pumpkin filling into the crust and bake until golden and set. Allow the pie to cool before slicing and serving. It’s the perfect dessert for any fall gathering!

Preparation Time:

This pumpkin pie recipe requires approximately 30 minutes of preparation time, plus an additional 50-55 minutes for baking. Plan accordingly to ensure the pie is ready in time for dessert!

Vegetarian Baked Pumpkin Pasta

If you’re in the mood for something savory, this vegetarian baked pumpkin pasta is a must-try. With crispy sage, creamy ricotta, and the warmth of pumpkin, it’s a comforting dish that will satisfy your taste buds on a chilly autumn evening.

### Ingredients:

• 12 ounces penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin puree
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• ¼ cup chopped fresh sage, plus extra for garnish
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup ricotta cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
4. Add the pumpkin puree, vegetable broth, heavy cream, ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, chopped sage, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Remove the skillet from the heat and add the cooked penne pasta. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
7. Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Drop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese on top and sprinkle the remaining grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the pasta is bubbly and golden.
9. Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh sage. Serve hot and enjoy!

How to Prepare:

This vegetarian baked pumpkin pasta is a wonderful dish to prepare for a cozy dinner at home. Begin by cooking the penne pasta until al dente. In a skillet, sauté garlic in olive oil before adding pumpkin puree, vegetable broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sage, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce, then combine it with the cooked pasta. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with ricotta and more Parmesan cheese, and bake until golden and bubbly. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh sage for added flavor.

Preparation Time:

Allow approximately 15 minutes for the preparation of the sauce and pasta, and an additional 25 minutes for baking. The end result is a delectable, comforting pasta dish that’s worth every minute!

[Continued…]